The very first general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, John Thompson, has passed away at the age of 95. He held the position with Seattle from 1975 to 1982.
Thompson attended the University of Washington before beginning his career in the NFL in 1960 with the Vikings as publicity director and assistant general manager. He was then hired as the GM of the Seahawks when they were formed as an expansion team.
The organization is mourning his loss and issued the following statement on Wednesday.
We remember and honor John Thompson following his passing this week. Thompson served as the team’s first general manager from 1975-82. He oversaw the hiring of Jack Patera, grew the season-ticket base to 59,000 for its inaugural season in 1976, and aided in the selection of the team’s nickname and colors. Thompson’s background in sports as sports information director at the University of Washington, being the first PR director for the expansion Minnesota Vikings and the first full-time executive director for the NFL Management Council made him the perfect candidate to begin an NFL franchise. The Seahawks extend our condolences to his wife, Mimi, and three children, Rick, Mike and Kathi.
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